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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Augustine reason is the consequence to human teaching if learning comes from Divine gifts?
(a) That there is no point to human teaching if learning only comes through Divine gifts.
(b) That Divine gifts work as a validation of human teaching.
(c) That Divine gifts become the standard against which all teaching is measured.
(d) That human teaching becomes a validation of Divine gifts.

2. What should be the nature of the relationship between humans and God according to Augustine?
(a) Humans should fear the authority of God over judgment.
(b) Humans should become like God.
(c) God should be enjoyed by humans.
(d) Humans should submit to God's authority.

3. According to Augustine, how should a student be affected as he/she becomes proficient in interpreting Scripture?
(a) He/she will help in developing an understanding of God's motivations.
(b) He/she will help to apply the principles of community.
(c) He/she will help develop a student's teaching skill.
(d) He/she will increase the love that one feels.

4. What does Augustine use to illustrate a thing to be used?
(a) A delicious meal used to to bring friends together.
(b) Community that develops among friends during a delicious meal.
(c) A friend who has the special gift to cook a delicious meal.
(d) A pot for cooking a delicious meal.

5. Of these influences on individual thought, which does Augustine claim Scripture teaches are negative to Christian thought?
(a) A Rabbi can distract a Christian from the "Final Propitiation."
(b) Land owners can convince Christians that the blessings of God are demonstrated through material riches.
(c) A spouse can distract a Christian with the "needs of this world."
(d) The devil can mislead someone to think that a Christian knows more than they do.

6. How does Augustine characterize things in Book One?
(a) They are the items that God puts before Christians to use.
(b) They are the items that God puts before Christians to enjoy.
(c) They are ordinary objects that are not used to signify something.
(d) They are all items that fall under God's authority.

7. What is Augustine's attitude toward those who have a "special gift" for interpretation from God?
(a) God will appoint them to a position of authority.
(b) Augustine considers himself as one.
(c) They are blessed.
(d) Such "gifts" were exhausted at Pentecost.

8. What does Augustine recommend to avoid the negative influences on individual thought?
(a) Devoting regular time in prayer to become sensitive to Divine guidance.
(b) Regular participation in church activities.
(c) Isolating from temptations.
(d) Paying careful attention to rules for Scriptural learning.

9. What are the three things Augustine identifies as how God inspires His children?
(a) His death, resurrection, and promise of return.
(b) Signs, things, and enjoyment.
(c) The promise of His return, His illuminated truths, and signs.
(d) His illuminated truths, special gifts, and signs.

10. What is the source of teaching Augustine most advocates?
(a) Human teachers in human communities.
(b) God directing the student to understand His role in Scripture.
(c) Angels guiding human teachers in spiritual communities.
(d) Christ dispensing special gifts without communities.

11. In approaching this distinction, what is Augustine's first focus in Book One?
(a) On things as things.
(b) On "special gifts."
(c) On original sin.
(d) On sins of omission.

12. What is an important distinction that Augustine teaches students to understand through three Books of "On Christian Doctrine?
(a) The difference between original sin and human nature.
(b) The difference between "things" and "signs."
(c) The difference between sins of omission and original sin.
(d) The difference between "special gifts" and talents.

13. What items or situations does Augustine use to illustrate his distinction of things?
(a) The relationship between God and Lucifer from the story of Job.
(b) The fall of Adam in Genesis and the murder of Able by Cain.
(c) The questions from critics who do not understand and the examples of what is perceived to be special gifts.
(d) A good meal and a pot.

14. How does Augustine describe humans?
(a) Humans are things that use language as a symbol.
(b) Humans are things that can "enjoy," love and "use" things.
(c) Humans are things that are subject to the laws of God.
(d) Humans are above things because they use them.

15. What was the second type of criticism that Augustine suggests "On Christian Doctrine" would face?
(a) Criticism from those who refuse or are unable to apply it.
(b) Criticism from those who claim that Augustine relied too much on training and not enough on divine guidance.
(c) Criticism from those who face punishment if they try to apply it.
(d) Criticism from those who claim too many Christians could not access proper training.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main difference between the system of learning that Augustine advocates and that advocated by the critics he focuses on in the Preface?

2. Why does Augustine expect the method of accessing knowledge he lacks to be successful?

3. What does Augustine write is incompatible with love?

4. What are the two primary reasons that Augustine devotes his time to those questions?

5. What does Augustine conclude are the only things that can be enjoyed?

(see the answer keys)

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